Unexpected Delight! by DL Larson

I enjoy talking as an author to any crowd that will listen, but I encountered an unexpected delight this week. I'd been asked by a woman's group in a neighboring town to give a talk. I agreed and the date was set. As a matter of fact the date was set so far in advance, when I received a call the last week of September, I admitted to not turning my October calendar over yet to see what was on my docket. The feeble voice on the other end of the phone sounded a bit disappointed that I didn't immediately remember my promise to attend their meeting and deliver my talk.

I tried to bow out of the luncheon, mostly as a time factor, but again the feeble voice urged me to share a meal with them and so I succumbed, telling her I needed to leave no later than 2:30 because I had a chess class to teach after school back in my home town.

The directions were easy enough and I drove to the new senior residence where the luncheon and program were to be held. Now, I've learned a few things since becoming a published author, the first, not to be disappointed at not making a sale and to enjoy the networking no matter the audience. Spreading my name is every bit as important as selling a book. So, knowing my audience consisted entirely of retired women, I knew they would be attentive and gracious, but I didn't expect much more.

The luncheon was nice, I felt rather like a teenager sitting among numerous grannies, answering the same question a dozen times. But we bonded and that is always a good thing. From there we moved upstairs to the social rooms and I presented my version of what a writer does to accomplish her goal to become a published author.

As they began eating their dessert, I packed away my belongings, glad all had gone well. The chairman thanked me and everyone clapped; I smiled and thanked them for inviting me. Then the spokeslady asked if I had books to sell. When I nodded and said, "of course," pocketbooks started snapping open. They abandoned their desserts in order to buy a book or two. I heard, "what a delight," "what a joy to meet you," and I thanked all for their interest and for their sale.

What an unexpected surprise. I had unfairly tucked them into a non-buying type of audience. What a joy, what a delight to be wrong!

Til next time ~

DL Larson